Thankful

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV). This month you may have noticed I have been introducing the devotionals with one thing I am thankful for each day. We are approaching Thanksgiving Day. It is our tradition in this country to celebrate with family and friends around a meal and other festivities. For some it will be sports, while others will spend the time visiting and recalling family memories. This year will be a little of both for us. Every fourth year the date rolls around to be both Thanksgiving Day and the birthday of our grandchildren, Faith and Logan. There will be time later to talk about that; however, today is a good time to begin the process of understanding the concept of gratitude. In his book Folk Psalms of Faith, Ray Stedman tells of an experience H. A. Ironside had in a crowded restaurant. Just as the old preacher was about to begin his meal, a man approached and asked if he could join him. Ironside invited his to have a seat. Then, as was his custom, he bowed his head in prayer. When he opened his eyes, the other man asked, "Do you have a headache?" Ironside replied, "No, I don't." The other man asked, "Well, is there something wrong with your food?" He replied, "No, I was simply thanking God as I always do before I eat." The man said, "Oh, you're one of those, are you? Well, I want you to know I never give thanks. I earn my money by the sweat of my brow and I don't have to give thanks to anybody when I eat. I just start right in!" Ironside said, "Yes, you're just like my dog. That's what he does too!" In our reading today the apostle tells us to do three things: rejoice, pray, and give thanks. It’s interesting how those three go together. When you rejoice, it’s usually because you have prayed. And, you generally are driven to pray when you are thankful. Good relationships are like that. When I think of my family and what they mean to me, I am compelled to be grateful. How fortunate I am to have each of them! Each in their way completing the life God has given me. I cannot imagine life without them. Naturally that brings me to pray for them. I am drawn to petition God for their safety and blessing. From there it is an easy step to rejoice. After all, could it really be any better than this? Immediately I am reminded that not only can it be better, it WILL be better. God has promised an eternity of perfect life with them in heaven! “Thankful” is such a small word to express that concept. Have you started planning your celebration? It may be difficult for you this year. Perhaps you are facing some trial in your life. Perhaps your health is in question; maybe there’s a broken relationship that is keeping you from thinking about Thanksgiving; or perhaps there is an empty place at the table this year that grieves you. Please start at the beginning. Rejoice, pray, and gie thanks! It will change you!